Semi autos and cycling lighter loads

[kitchenmagician]

Hi all,
Relatively new member here, and I have a question or two. I'm in the market for the all elusive "one gun that does it all". I'm into trap shooting, I'm going to start with 5 stand soon, and I try to duck/goose hunt a few times a year. I'm looking for a semi that I can use on the trap range, that will cycle the lighter target loads. Typically, I use Challengers, 2 3/4", 1 1/8 oz #7.5's. No problem cycling these in my current pump gun but I want to move up to a semi. I've been doing a ton of reading, and I was hoping someone here has some experience with the Franchi Affinity. At $1000 it's not cheap, but compared to an A400 Extreme, or comparable Benelli, it seems like a bargain. My concern, as stated, is that the Franchi might not cycle the lighter load. I've heard of several other mid priced semis that have trouble with them. I know the A400 cycles them without incident, but I'm hoping to avoid shelling out $2k for one. Any input would be appreciated. I've also been looking at the Stoeger M3500 at just a slightly lower price point and wondering what you all might have to say about them, as well. Thanks for your time

 

[pbonura]

Sx3. Get a gas gun, will cycle lighter loads.

 

[Maritime Storm]

The Franchi Affinity is a recoil operated field gun, it may, but most won't cycle loads lighter than 1 /18oz 3dr. Check their sight for more info on load recommendations. Most gas semis and recoil operated target guns will cycle lighter loads.

 

[gunsaholic]

Supposedly the Remington Versa Max will cycle anything from light target loads to 3 1/2".

 

[Sapper33]

Personally I've found it only to be an issue (inertia or gas) when trying to cycle target loads through a 3.5" gun, after break in of course. The gaps from 2 3/4" to 3 isn't much, but that extra 1/2" is a long way to cycle the bolt.

And not to be the bearer of bad news, but a $1000 semi is cheap; the used market has lots available. There is a Beretta 302 (great design) on the EE right now for $850, and while it won't take 3.5" goose loads, 3" worked for a lot of people for a long time.

 

[winchester12]

I have a winchester SX2 and it cycles 7/8oz reloads nicely. It needs to be kept clean to work well consistantly. I have shot beretta semi's that can shoot 7/8oz all day for alot longer between cleaning. I would buy a used beretta 391. I have 20ga 391 that I shoot 3/4oz reloads with. It is a pleasure to shoot and very reliable.

 

[Lead Loader]

Buy a Weather by SA-08, light load and heavy load piston, i make my own 7/8 reload and it cycles and throws them no problem.

 

[cantgetright]

+1 on the beretta 391. I picked up a new one with kickoff for $1100 3 years ago just as the a400's were coming out. A good way to get free shells when your buddies 3 1/2" Baikal wont eject them properly.

 

[sunray]

Going to a semi isn't necessarily a 'move up'.
Not all gas operated shotgun will cycle target loads. That's why Remington came out with the 11-87. Supposedly self-adjusts for different loads.

 

[Barnard308]

I have had the Stoeger M3500 for two years, initially it didn't like the real light loads (1 oz) but its not designed for them, most semis are not, they like 1 1/8 loads, BUT after firing off about 300 heavy loads and hundred and hundreds of target loads (1 1/8) it now cycles everything I feed it flawlessly. Best bang for the buck I have ever spent, and FYI they are made on the same action as Benili and Berretta because they own Stoeger.

 

[hunter2044]

another vote for the beretta 391,,i just picked one up off the EE for $900,cycles light loads with no issues points and shoots well,,

 

[Claybuster]

The Beretta 391 is the best semi-auto I've used for light loads. Mine will function with Winchester Low-Recoil Low-Noise, a round so light Winchester doesn't recommend it for semi-autos.

 

[Jmiverson]

The Beretta 391 is the best semi-auto I've used for light loads. Mine will function with Winchester Low-Recoil Low-Noise, a round so light Winchester doesn't recommend it for semi-autos.

That's impressive. I was going to suggest an SA-08, But mine won't do that... 7/8oz. no prob though.

 

[winchesterjones]

Any semi will cycle any load really. The big hunting guns. They hunting guns need the powerful shot to push the bolt back to cycle the next round. I have a super black eagle 2 that cycles anything ( the amount of light loads it has bad an issue with I can count on one hand. At the same time I also have a al391. That guns seen thousands and thousands of rounds and hasnt missed a beat.

 

[Tick]

I agree with SX3 not a fail to feed or jam in 3 years

 

[ABChop]

My Maxus cycles everything from light target loads to 3 1/2"....nay bother. Not cheap though at $1600....but my favorite shotty out of the 5 i have.
The SX3 has the same action as the Maxus if i remember correctly.

 

[WeaponHot]

If I were you I would save up a little more and get the semi you really want. Or put half of it on your credit card
If you want it to cycle target loads flawlessly you need a gas gun. I'm not going to bash on any brands, I have a 3.5" A400 extreme that eats target loads. ( I shoot Challengers ). It comes with all the adjustments I could ever need and it's got a special coating to protect it while hunting. This gun was expensive for me to buy as well but I figured I'll dish out the money one time in my life and have a reliable semi. Also the recoil system on it is not a gimmick by any stretch, it shoots as soft as an air rifle.